Our use of cookies

We use strictly necessary cookies to make our site work. These cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone. For more information on how these cookies work please see our privacy policy.

To agree to our use of analytical cookies, click the 'Accept cookies' button. No, give me more information.
Accept cookies Reject analytical cookies Manage cookies
 
 

Staffordshire barber gains the skills to save a life

Posted on Wednesday 7th September 2022
Klinta Jones, Barber nsrm

Klinta Jones

A barber from Staffordshire is one of 1,600 people who have gained the skills to help prevent suicide thanks to training funded by Staffordshire County Council.

Klinta Jones, Master Barber and National Coach who did her training back in January was keen to learn more about the subject and how she could help people. The Staffordshire business owner was also motivated to do the training for personal reasons, having lost both her uncle and grandfather to suicide when she was young.

The training is part of the TalkSuicide campaign and provides people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to notice the signs someone is at risk of suicide, reach out and talk openly with them.

Saturday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day and Staffordshire County Council is now committed to funding a further 1,200 places on the training course.

Speaking about the training, Klinta said:

As a barber I spend uninterrupted time with clients and in the modern world of phones and distractions, that’s quite rare.

People tell me how they’re feeling and open up when their lives aren’t going well. Before the training I was cautious about how to respond if someone was suicidal, I was scared about giving the wrong advice. But since taking the training I’m now more confident, I know what to look out for and if I pick up on something when I’m with a client, I know how to handle it and how to help.”

Paul Northcott, Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care at Staffordshire County Council said:

When a life is lost to suicide it has a devastating effect on families but It’s reassuring to know that so many people in Staffordshire are keen to do their bit to help.

The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is creating hope through action and by funding the training we’re giving people the opportunity to make a difference and spread hope to others.

I’d like to thank everyone who put themselves forward and has made the training a success so far. And, just as importantly, I want to remind anybody who is struggling that it’s okay to ask for help.”

Klinta is also urging others to do the training and added:

Everyone who has the opportunity, through their work or at home, to talk to others and have a conversation, would benefit from the training. It could help prevent a family going through the devastating loss that my family did. It’s a small thing but it could save a life.”

People can find out more about the campaign and the training at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/TalkSuicide

Support is available for anyone who is worried about their own, or someone else’s mental health:

North Staffordshire urgent mental health helpline: 0800 0 328 728 option 1 (covers Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs Moorlands)

South Staffordshire urgent mental health helpline: 0808 196 3002 (covers Stafford, Stone, Rugeley, Cannock, South Staffs, Lichfield, Burton, Uttoxeter, Tamworth)

Samaritans: call 116 123 confidential crisis support helpline, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Brighter Futures helpline Call: 0808 800 2234. Text: 0786 002 2821. Email: staffordshire.helpline@brighter-futures.org.uk for a safe place to talk for people who are worried, stressed or low, or if they’re concerned about someone else.

Related Items

Sorry, there are no related items